Highway 1 through Abbotsford reopened
Posted November 25, 2021 12:35 pm.
Last Updated November 26, 2021 9:34 pm.
A stretch of Highway 1 between Abbotsford and Chilliwack that’s been shut down for more than a week because of floods reopened Thursday afternoon.
“This will provide a lot of welcome congestion relief and mobility for the region and I want to thank people for their patience over the past several days,” Transportation Minister Rob Fleming said just after noon, when he made the announcement.
The route reopened at 2 p.m.
While the reopening of the highway is welcome news for many, Fleming says it will “not be travel as normal” for the time being.
NEW: Hwy 1 Sumas area will open at 2pm this afternoon.
But Transportation min @Rob_Fleming says it will not be travel as usual so asking ppl to be patient and consider if travel is absolutely necessary.#bcpoli @CityNewsVAN #BCStorms— LizaYuzda (@LizaYuzda) November 25, 2021
Speeds are reduced between Abbotsford and Chilliwack. The highway is not subject to any of travel restrictions brought in days ago, though Fleming is asking British Columbians to consider whether they absolutely need to be on the roads.
“A reminder that many of these temporary fixes are to get people in the region moving once again,” Fleming explained, adding officials will be keeping a close eye on the situation, especially with more rain in the forecast.
“We hope and expect that Highway 1 will be able to remain open, but we will be constantly monitoring its performance and, if necessary, we may have to close the highway again.”
Related article: Drivers line up ahead of Highway 1 reopening, police say to go home
He notes the reopening of Highway 1 is just another step closer to British Columbia reopening its supply chains and reconnecting its communities.
Early Thursday morning, many drivers took to the Trans Canada, well before word of an exact time of reopening. That prompted police to urge motorist not to wait for the reopening in their vehicles, saying at the time that it could be all day before the closures were lifted.
Last week’s major atmospheric river brought heavy downpours to southern B.C., triggering floods and mudslides across parts of the region, including Abbotsford.
Highway 1 near Whatcom at one point was completely submerged in water, as were many other parts.
A flooded Highway 1 is seen looking east from the Whatcom overpass in Abbotsford on Nov. 16, 2021. (Submitted)
